Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Introduction
Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are increasingly accessible and popular. In
2015, over 60% of smartphone users used their phones to look up health related
information. mHealth apps related to maternal and child health (MCH) are particularly
prevalent and frequently used. As high as 73% pregnant women and new mothers reported
the use of MCH apps, with 27% using them daily.
Methods
A cross-sectional sample of MCH apps was extracted from the Apple App and Google Play
stores using a JavaScript Scraper program. A multivariable linear regression, and series of
ordinal logistic regression assessed the relationship between MCH app characteristics and
two outcomes, end users’ perceived satisfaction (star ratings), and intent to use
(downloads). Next, theory-based content analysis reviewed the presence and use of
behavior change techniques (BCTs) in popular MCH apps using the mHealth app
taxonomy framework. Finally, a qualitative inductive analysis assessed user self-reported
experiences, perceived benefits, and general feedback for MCH apps.
Results
Seven hundred and forty-two apps met the inclusion criteria. A large majority of MCH
apps were developed by non-healthcare developers. Google Play store apps had higher user
ratings; while, apps within health & fitness genre, with older updates, and no agerestrictions
had fewer user ratings. Furthermore, lower priced apps, with high star ratings, in-app purchase options, and in-app advertisement presence had high downloads. And,
apps belonging to medical and health & fitness genre had fewer user downloads. Content
analysis revealed that popular MCH apps on an average include 7.4 behavior change
techniques (BCTs) with a median of 6 BCTs. Apps developed by healthcare developers
had higher BCTs present within app content. Qualitative analysis shows that consumers
value apps that are low cost, with superior features, smooth technical aspects, high quality
content, and easy to use.
Conclusions
Healthcare providers, app developers, and policymakers may benefit from a better
understanding of MCH apps available in two popular app stores and may consider
strategies to review and promote apps to consumers based on information accuracy and
trustworthiness. / 2020-11-06
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:IUPUI/oai:scholarworks.iupui.edu:1805/17759 |
| Date | 08 August 2018 |
| Creators | Biviji, Rizwana |
| Contributors | Harle, Christopher A., Vest, Joshua R., Dixon, Brian E., Cullen, Theresa |
| Source Sets | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
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